Philanthropic (Ad)Ventures
Where we are born too often dictates our future opportunities. For over 10 years I’ve been working with a number organisations that aim to create equal opportunities for young people, supporting them to participate in democracy, be entrepreneurial and acknowledge their rights as a child.
Young People and Children’s Rights, Wellbeing and Welfare
Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights UK
I founded and have chaired RFK Human Rights UK since 2018. RFK Human Rights UK exists to inspire the next generation of change-makers. Their transformative human rights education programme, Speak Truth To Power, empowers young people to be the change they want to see in the world. Through creative learning resources, RFK Human Rights UK supports teachers to discuss big issues such as racial justice, gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights with young people. I aim to make human rights defending a cultural rather than a legal issue for young people.
Sesame Workshop
I sit on the Board as a Trustee of Sesame Workshop, the creators of the iconic Sesame Street TV programme and characters. I support the organisation to deliver its mission of helping kids grow smarter, stronger and kinder by bringing learning, laughter and life lessons to children all over the world. Its media and education content teaches young children skills in emotional well-being, literacy, language, STEM, creativity, problem-solving, self & belonging.
Ride 25 for 1 More Child
Follow my Ride25 journey as I cycle the world for 1 More Child. I am currently 10 years into a 25-year commitment to cycle from Oxfordshire, England to Sydney, Australia - with over 100 others. 1 More Child is a small charity that provides education, shelter, aspiration and mentorship to street children in Jinja, Uganda. Next up: Leg 11 in June 2024: Tbilisi to Baku!
One Young World
I acted as a Counsellor for One Young World between 2013-2015. The non-profit organisation brings together the world’s future leaders at a 2,000 person, 190 nation, annual summit to discuss their ideas for solving the world’s most pressing problems.
Democracy
Bite The Ballot
I was a Trustee and Director of Bite The Ballot between 2014 and 2016. Bite the Ballot encouraged young people to use their voice, opinions and perspective recognised in society through such tools as voter registration, civic action, democratic participation and cross generational engagement.
Patchwork Foundation
I think it's vital to a real democracy, one that truly works for everyone, that everyone can identify with someone to represent them and advocate for their perspective, background and ideals. The Patchwork Foundation supports under represented people through training, networks and confidence building to have their voice heard and be part of our democratic voice. I have philanthropically supported its goals.
Social Entrepreneurs
The Key Is E
I co-founded The Key is E with ex-child soldier and award-winning hip hop artist Emmanuel Jal. The organisation used education and entrepreneurship to empower and engage Africa’s brightest social entrepreneurs. Between 2014 and 2022 it supported dozens of such entrepreneurs to scale their businesses whilst providing digital and network resources to many others. To fund our impact work, we created and produced Jal’s 5th album The Key.
The award nominated album harnessed contributions from Nelly Furtado, Nile Rogers and Daryl McDaniels and its hit song ‘We Want Peace - reloaded’ was supported by Richard Branson, Kofi Annan, George Clooney, Ringo Star and Alicia Keys. I also wrote the lyrics for the song ‘Every Child’s Plate’.
Journal
